Observation/Reflection #1: Starting From the Beginning
How a teacher greets students, takes care of logistics, and begins his or her lessons is CRUCIAL! During this observation, focus on how class begins. Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? Using the clock on the wall, determine when your CT establishes order and begins class. How did she/he start their lesson? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed? How does your CT engage students during the opening of the lesson? Is the approach your CT used during this lesson consistent with what you read in "Teach Like a Pirate."
The Greene School
Mr. Haggerty
Chemistry Grade 10
Observation:
Before class begins you can find Mr. Haggerty near the side of the room next to his computer and desk. Essentially, he sets up the classroom for the day by displaying work on a projector screen for students on the computer. While on the computer, if any student has a question or need he redirects his focus to them. Mr. Haggerty then establishes order by having students take out their homework and work on their do now. The do now consisted of reflecting on their habits of work, which is an assessment grade based on goals students set for themselves to become better learners. Mr. Haggerty goes around the room to check each student’s homework and to make sure everyone is on task with the reflection. Following the do now and homework check, students begin and entrance ticket by completing a pre-lab assignment that was similar to their homework. Next, Mr. Haggerty gives a brief lesson to go over any misconceptions or questions students have. Finally, he gives students a few differentiated tasks to get as far as they can before class is over.
Reflection:
According to the Teaching like a Pirate method, Mr. Haggerty did not use an approach that was similar during the lesson. Despite this, work is still completed and most students seemed to enjoy themselves. I find that the “Do Now” task at the beginning is a great way to get students situated and ready to work before class begins. With a routine in place students can walk into the room, get settled and start working right away. What is different about Mr. Haggerty’s do now is that the students reflected on their habits of work grade, which is unique for their school. To prepare students for the real world, they focus on different habits such as meeting deadlines and participation. Ideally, by working on these different habits, students will become better learners and can use these skills later on in life. Additionally, students give themselves different grades based on what they think they deserve. They even have to explain why they think they deserve the grade. Depending on further observations I will see if I will take this habits of work grade with me. Lastly, what I enjoyed most about the class was after the opening. Students were asked to complete several tasks at their own pace until class ended. Enough work was given so that even the students who were on a roll with getting their work done had enough to complete. I like the idea of letting students work at their own pace without time restrictions. During this time Mr. Haggerty was given the freedom to check in with students and help those who were struggling.
How a teacher greets students, takes care of logistics, and begins his or her lessons is CRUCIAL! During this observation, focus on how class begins. Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? Using the clock on the wall, determine when your CT establishes order and begins class. How did she/he start their lesson? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed? How does your CT engage students during the opening of the lesson? Is the approach your CT used during this lesson consistent with what you read in "Teach Like a Pirate."
The Greene School
Mr. Haggerty
Chemistry Grade 10
Observation:
Before class begins you can find Mr. Haggerty near the side of the room next to his computer and desk. Essentially, he sets up the classroom for the day by displaying work on a projector screen for students on the computer. While on the computer, if any student has a question or need he redirects his focus to them. Mr. Haggerty then establishes order by having students take out their homework and work on their do now. The do now consisted of reflecting on their habits of work, which is an assessment grade based on goals students set for themselves to become better learners. Mr. Haggerty goes around the room to check each student’s homework and to make sure everyone is on task with the reflection. Following the do now and homework check, students begin and entrance ticket by completing a pre-lab assignment that was similar to their homework. Next, Mr. Haggerty gives a brief lesson to go over any misconceptions or questions students have. Finally, he gives students a few differentiated tasks to get as far as they can before class is over.
Reflection:
According to the Teaching like a Pirate method, Mr. Haggerty did not use an approach that was similar during the lesson. Despite this, work is still completed and most students seemed to enjoy themselves. I find that the “Do Now” task at the beginning is a great way to get students situated and ready to work before class begins. With a routine in place students can walk into the room, get settled and start working right away. What is different about Mr. Haggerty’s do now is that the students reflected on their habits of work grade, which is unique for their school. To prepare students for the real world, they focus on different habits such as meeting deadlines and participation. Ideally, by working on these different habits, students will become better learners and can use these skills later on in life. Additionally, students give themselves different grades based on what they think they deserve. They even have to explain why they think they deserve the grade. Depending on further observations I will see if I will take this habits of work grade with me. Lastly, what I enjoyed most about the class was after the opening. Students were asked to complete several tasks at their own pace until class ended. Enough work was given so that even the students who were on a roll with getting their work done had enough to complete. I like the idea of letting students work at their own pace without time restrictions. During this time Mr. Haggerty was given the freedom to check in with students and help those who were struggling.